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All to play for

A children's centre is credited with being a driving force in the regeneration of a deprived area of Wales. Simon Vevers finds out why When the Integrated Children's Centre (ICC) in New Tredegar opened its doors in October 2004, it breathed new life into a South Wales valley community devastated by industrial decline after the closure of local coalmines - and established a distinctive, less prescriptive model than its often target-driven counterparts in England.

When the Integrated Children's Centre (ICC) in New Tredegar opened its doors in October 2004, it breathed new life into a South Wales valley community devastated by industrial decline after the closure of local coalmines - and established a distinctive, less prescriptive model than its often target-driven counterparts in England.

Walk through the doors of the ICC and you instantly feel a sense of local ownership, pride and social renewal. It is bright, airy and spacious, and it ticks all the necessary boxes when it comes to providing a menu of childcare and family support services. Unlike centres in England, it has a commitment to open-access play.

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